Two hens sitting on duck eggs that are starting to hatch

[MJ11]

Hi. I am new to BYC and am hoping for some advice on hatching eggs. I have two broody hens sitting in one nesting box, on 5 duck eggs. I have been checking a couple times a day now, since it is hatching time, and this morning found a baby duck that had hatched but died.

Iam pretty sure I know what I did wrong and am hoping I can fix the situation but need advice. The chickens are sitting in the nest in the main coop. I never moved them. So I am guessing another hen pecked the baby duck. Plus the nest is not in the ground, so once the ducks start getting out they could fall. I feel really bad for not moving them initially...

If I move the hens and eggs to a separate / isolated location where the other chickens can’t get to, would they be ok, or is it too late to do that?

I pulled the newest hatching egg and have it inside in a warm location so it doesn’t get hurt. Is this ok? I don’t have an incubator but have a warmer pad that doesn't get too hot

Please advise....
Thnx

 

[Gallinarium]

Chickens are a lot more willing to change nesting sites than ducks, but it's too late once you've got to hatching, unless you take the entire nesting box and put it somewhere else. Is there any way to close off the box? If not, I would remove the chicks as they hatch, and return them when done.

 

[ChickensAreEpic123]

Maybe give both the hens 2 ducklings so they won’t fight over it.

 

[MJ in SD]

Chickens are a lot more willing to change nesting sites than ducks, but it's too late once you've got to hatching, unless you take the entire nesting box and put it somewhere else. Is there any way to close off the box? If not, I would remove the chicks as they hatch, and return them when done.

I can’t really move the nesting boxes, so I have just been collecting the babies as they hatch, 2 down, 3 to go, and will attempt to put them in all in their own private coop... if that doesn’t work I can just bring the babies in and put them under a light I suppose... It’s so crazy to know that we aren’t the only species that co-parents or will adopt, lol. I love these ducks and chickens sooo much!

 

[MJ in SD]

Chickens are a lot more willing to change nesting sites than ducks, but it's too late once you've got to hatching, unless you take the entire nesting box and put it somewhere else. Is there any way to close off the box? If not, I would remove the chicks as they hatch, and return them when done.

Update.... only 3 of the ducklings survived, but I did successfully get them moved!

 

[Birdie mom]

awesome!